Syrian government decided on settling Suwayda case

 On the morning of July 14, Syria’s Ministry of Interior announced its direct coordination with the Ministry of Defense to intervene in the armed conflict in al-Maqous neighborhood, Suwayda, enforce security, and refer those responsible to competent judicial authorities.

The ministry expressed deep concern over deadly clashes between local armed groups and tribal factions, which have left 30 dead and around 100 injured, citing a dangerous absence of official institutions.

💥 Triggering Incident:

According to various accounts, tensions erupted after a vegetable vendor was robbed on the Damascus–Suwayda highway on July 13. Armed men, allegedly affiliated with the Military Council linked to Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, kidnapped several civilians from al-Maqous. In retaliation, locals from the same neighborhood abducted members from the opposing side—sparking violent clashes and shelling that killed civilians, including women and children.

🛡️ Official and Religious Responses:

• Interior Ministry Spokesperson Nour al-Din al-Baba posted on X: “The recurring security crises in #Sweida stem from the isolationist movement’s stubbornness, which gambles with our people’s future by severing ties with the homeland. Only the presence of state authority and the activation of official security and military institutions can safeguard our civilians.”

• The Spiritual Leadership of the Druze Community condemned the violence, urged security enforcement, rejected injustice and violations, and reaffirmed its commitment to civil peace.

• The Men of Dignity Movement issued a statement rejecting sectarian strife, accusing the government of security negligence, and declaring a general mobilization to defend dignity and territory, while stressing its commitment to peace and rejecting retaliation.

🕊️ Ceasefire Mediation:

Late last night, both sides released their captives following a mediation led by Sheikh Yusuf Jarbou, calming tensions momentarily.

📚 Education Impact:

Syria’s Ministry of Education postponed high school exams scheduled in Suwayda on Monday due to the security unrest.

🌐 Political Background:

Since Assad’s regime fell last December, Druze militias in Suwayda and surrounding Damascus towns (Jaramana, Sahnaya, Ashrafiyat Sahnaya) have rejected state military presence, insulted newly appointed governor Louay al-Bakkour, and stormed his office multiple times.

This tension culminated in a security operation on May 30 in these towns, not Suwayda itself, resulting in clashes and casualties, followed by clear Israeli military intervention. Israeli forces conducted air and ground strikes near the Republican Palace, sending a direct warning to Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa over targeting the Druze community.

🗣️ International Stance:

On June 30, in an interview with Turkey’s Anadolu Agency, U.S. envoy to Syria Tom Barrack urged Kurds, Druze, and Alawites to join the new Syrian government, warning that the U.S. will only work with Syria’s legitimate authorities.

Moumin Sawady